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Safari 4 Intros Nitro JavaScript Engine

Apple has released a public beta of Safari 4, introducing several new end-user features, along with built in developer tools and a new JavaScript engine called Nitro.

The new Nitro JavaScript engine is more than four times faster than the JavaScript engine in Safari 3 and, according to Apple, can execute JavaScript "up to 30 times faster than IE 7 and more than three times faster than Firefox 3." The new browser also includes built-in developer tools for debugging and optimization.

For end users, Safari 4 adds history searches, allowing users to search titles, URLs, and the text of pages visited. It also includes Top Sites, which provides easy access to frequently visited pages, and Cover Flow, which is used for navigating history and bookmarks like navigating songs in iTunes.

Smart addresses, which se browsing history, bookmarks, and Top Sites to help complete addresses;

A "Smart Search" field for fine-tuning Google search results;

Full-page zoom; and

For Windows users, a WIndows-native look and feel.

Safari 4 beta is available now for Mac OS X and Windows. On Mac systems, it requires either Mac OS X 10.5.6 or 10.4.11. Further information and a link to the download can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.